A message from Marquette leaders to the campus community

January 30, 2017

More than 135 years ago, Marquette University came to life in the middle of downtown Milwaukee with a mission – to provide accessible education for all, not some. At that time, Marquette served a booming German population that fled failed revolutions in Europe and came to America in search of democracy and human rights.

Today, in 2017, we educate and serve students who come from 72 countries around the world. While the makeup of our university has changed over the past century, our Catholic, Jesuit mission remains our anchor.

We are writing to you today to address the current moment in our United States history, particularly as it relates to proposed changes in our immigration policies. Our Catholic and Jesuit tradition calls us to speak out. We stand with our international students and any other student whose family is impacted by this evolving situation.

Our mission states clearly that we at Marquette University offer personal attention and care to each member of the Marquette community. We have resources for our undocumented students available online. We welcome and benefit enormously from the diversity of seekers within our ranks. And for all members of the Marquette community to give concrete expression to their beliefs by giving of themselves in service to those in need.

We remain confident in our United States Congress, which is made up of more than 50 graduates from Catholic, Jesuit institutions. In a bipartisan effort, members of Congress have recently reintroduced legislation for DREAMers, which is supported by our fellow Jesuit institutions. This would protect undocumented students across our nation.

We are steadfast in our commitment to serve all as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives and national origins. Let’s remember the larger American story. We are a nation of immigrants.

Pope Francis reminds us to focus on building bridges. Our doors will always be open to everyone, and we will do everything in our power for that to remain the case.

In the News is a weekly compilation of top media reports about Marquette University and members of the university community. It is sent via e-mail once a week on Wednesday afternoon. Past issues of In the News are available online.